New Joiners - Landscapes #797

This landscape almost looks unreal - something resembling a scene from a Lord of the Rings movie. The low, warm sunlight gently illuminating the foreground grass and rocks is beautiful. The photographer has controlled exposure, flare, and contrast well. A well composed and captured landscape.

I know not everyone likes 'blurry water', but personally I like the results of using an ND filter to generate a longer, creative exposure. However - arguably - exposure length is slightly too long in this instance, as detail and texture is lost in the water. The composition is strong and the overcast light is ideal for woodland, producing strong, punchy greens.

I like this rustic old tractor, and I can fully understand why the photographer was drawn to this rural scene. The misty, diffused conditions are very atmospheric. Personally, I would have liked to have seen more of the vehicle's surroundings. I think this shot would be more balanced and engaging had the photographer provided more context, with the tractor less dominant in frame.

Nature sometimes does all the hard work for us. This is a beautiful, fiery sky and capturing it reflected in the calm water doubles its impact. The shot maybe lacks an obvious focal point, but this is still an atmospheric and impactful shot.

The foreshortening effect of using a telephoto lens has highlighted the wonderful layers within this scene. The rays of sunlight and the combination of light and shade produce an engaging result. For me, the colours are too vivid and oversaturated, though, which rather undermines the shot.

When you shoot landscapes, don't forget to do 'border control'! Take time to check the edges of the frame for any unwanted distractions creeping into the frame. In this instance, the wooden bench in the bottom right corner is distracting. Aside from this, these are lovely conditions - the temperature inversion creates mood and mystery.

This is a stunning mountain range and the foreground trees create a neat partial frame. The composition provides a good sense of context and scale. However, the light is maybe a little harsh - this scene would be transformed if photographed in warm, golden hour light.

This is an eye-catching, quirky shot. While it is not without fault, I really like the idea - with the out of focus leaves neatly framing the volcano behind. The photographer has thought carefully about their shooting height and composition, and the result has plenty of depth and impact.

Shooting towards the sun can produce beautiful results, but it can be challenging too - with flare and contrast proving an issue. The photographer has done well in this instance, retaining good highlight and shadow detail. I love the big, brooding sky and warm, low sunlight. The tallest tree acts as a focal point, but it is maybe positioned too centrally in the frame.

This is a pretty scene, photographed in lovely light. However, in this instance, it is file quality that is the issue. Viewed at full resolution, detail is 'smeary'. I can't tell if this is due to the photo not being captured at a high enough resolution in-camera - or maybe camera shake. Always review images in-camera and scrutinise image sharpness - reshoot if necessary.

What a stunning vista. I love the light-play and depth and contrast created by the sunlight rolling over the hilltops and spotlighting the building. Just to the right of the building, there appears to be a narrow, slightly darker vertical band, and I'm unsure what might have caused this? There are a couple of dust spots that need removing from the sky too. Overall, a nicely timed and captured image.

I love the warm light, which combines successfully with the dark, brooding sky. The photographer has captured the wave movement well, which adds balance, interest and energy to the photo. It is just a shame the highlights are blown in the bottom right corner.

Conditions like this are the reason why it is worth setting your alarm early and getting on location for daybreak. The pockets of mist and soft light help produce a very atmospheric photo. The sky is maybe a little too dark - possibly over-gradded in-camera - but this could be resolved in editing. Using a telephoto lens has helped compress perspective and produce beautiful layers.